Literally kick tourists out: Russian women allege harassment by police in Goa, probe on
A 'celebrity DJ' and an actress allege verbal abuse and xenophobic remarks by Goa police during a routine stop, sparking outrage over police misconduct and tourist safety.
New Delhi: Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, mainly because of its pristine beaches and scenic places. But its reputation has suffered a setback after a DJ and an actress have alleged that police personnel there have verbally abused them on a routine stop around midnight on November 19.
One woman with the username Krispie_Kristina, who describes herself as a ‘celebrity DJ’, shared a video on her Instagram. There, she alleged that a male policeman called Evgenia Belskaia, the actress who was driving the car, 'bitch', and reportedly told them to "go to your country, you’re not in your country”. They were let go when Belskaia showed the policeman her license, but then he allegedly hurled more abuses at her. Notably, Kristina has deleted the video from her account.
When did the incident take place?
According to reports, the incident happened when they were driving with two other women from Siolim to Morjim. Krispie_Kristina said, "I was driving with my friends, and a police officer pulled us over, although only female police officers have the right to stop women. Calling the police personnel extremely rude, she added,
"It was immediately obvious that this wasn’t his first time. He was already choking on his power and impunity. From many friends, I’ve heard that it’s a normal situation there." The police are probing the incident, and the women have reportedly visited the Mandrem police station.
'It’s a shame we didn’t film it'
The DJ also said, "Can you imagine? In a tourist state, a state that functions only thanks to tourists, the police allow themselves to be so lawless and literally kick tourists out. It’s a shame we didn’t film it, but I was afraid to even take out my phone because he was so aggressive. I even thought he was high, but I won’t say that."
Belskaia, the actress, said, "This was a police guy, and I didn’t say anything to him... Police behaviour is horrible in Goa! We need to do something about it! If you can help in any way to change it, let me know”.